General
Mak Honours Governor Tumusiime Mutebile with Multibillion Complex
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda on 27th October 2015, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a multi-billion complex in honour of the Governor of Bank of Uganda, Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile at Makerere University Private Sector Forum grounds. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda represented the President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile also unveiled the artistic impression for the Mutebile Centre of Excellence at the same grounds. The Centre of Excellence, estimated at USD 20 million is a tribute to Prof. Mutebile’s commitment to national and international development. The Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development will be a hub of information, research, innovation and knowledge transfer. To be developed with the aim of promoting projects meant to enhance community development and job creation, the centre will also house Prof. Mutebile’s biography including profiles and documentaries of his life achievements as well as his writings and publication among others.
The distinguished Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Chair in Monetary Policy, Banking and Finance will be hosted by Makerere University School of Economics under the College of Business and Management Science (COBAMS). The Chair estimated at USD 5 million will be occupied by a distinguished Professor with a task of building Programmes and mobilising resources to sustain and uphold it. According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the first Chair holder will be identified and accredited by Professor Tumusiime Mutebile.
The Vice Chancellor described the Mutebile Chair and Centre of Excellence at Makerere University as a golden opportunity for the institution to associate with a person of broadly valued expertise and rich ideas in monetary Policy reforms, banking and finance. He added that Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile’s rich Knowledge shall widely be shared in academia to create a positive impact on socio-economic transformation of Uganda.
“His knowledge and expertise can be harnessed to further inform policy formulation not only in Uganda but the region at large, as we strive to increase socio-economic development towards attaining the national Vision 2040. Makerere University therefore takes the pride in celebrating Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile’s prominence and reputation at both the national and international levels,” he said.
In his speech read by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, applauded Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile as a brave man who embodies the true spirit of Nationalism with a rich history of providing exceptional service and being true to his word. He commended Makerere University for immortalizing Professor Mutebile through the Endowed Chair and Centre of Excellence.
“This is a landmark occasion as we count down to the centenary celebrations of Makerere University in 2022. For it is Makerere University that has produced many pan-Africanist Presidents and Prime Ministers in addition to Professor Tumusiime-Mutebile. I am proud of the breakthroughs the University has made in Science and Technology and I encourage you to stay on course to advance your vision in illuminating Makerere University’s capabilities on the global scene,” he said.
“I also commend all the development partners who have invested in the development of the education at Makerere University since its inception. Makerere has seen a series of developments, innovations andreforms. I salute the partnerships that have been very vital in building capacity,” he added.
As part of the day’s proceedings, the Ag. Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Dr. Eria Hisali read the Citation of Excellence detailing Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile’s academic excellence at all levels, illustrious career as well as his tremendous contribution to national development.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Okello Ogwang highlighted Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile academic and life achievements in the Oratory of Excellence. “In spite of his heavy commitments in the fiscal industry, Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile has demonstrated his love for promoting education by participating in actual teaching and supporting various educational institutions within and outside Uganda,” Dr. Okello Ogwang remarked. He also applauded Prof. Tumusiime Mutebile for winning numerous honours, awards and tributes both locally and internationally. 
Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile was installed on a symbolic Chair by the Makerere University Acting Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu amidst applause from Makerere University staff, Bank of Uganda team, family, friends and well-wishers. In his acceptance speech, Prof. Tumusiime Mutebile said holding the Chair of Monetary Policy, Banking and Finance, has opened another window of opportunity for him to serve Makerere University and the people of Uganda.
“Uganda has made impressive strides in both the economic and political areas during the last 30 years. We have overcome those painful days of our history and moved on. I am proud to have been associated with the policies that have brought about the restoration of the economy,” he said.
Commenting on the historic moment and installation, Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile who was also a Guild President in 1972 commended Makerere University-his alma mater-for the achievements over the years when he said, “Today and particularly this occasion, presents one of the happiest moments in my life. This is not because distinguished honors are being bestowed on me. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the many things that Makerere University, the Government of Uganda and the Makerere University Private Sector Forum have achieved over the last 45 years since I was a student at Makerere University. It is also an occasion to thank all those at Makerere University and in the Private Sector Forum for conceiving this new initiative of the Mutebile Chair and Mutebile Center of Excellence.”
According to the Chairperson Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, plans for the establishment of Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile’s Chair in Monetary Policy, Banking and Finance and the Mutebile Chair of Excellence started way back in 2007 when it was first conceived by Makerere University Private Sector- Forum (MUPSF). The idea was approved by the University Council with the aim of bridging the University-Industry divide in socio-economic development.
Several high ranking officials attended the colourful ceremony in the Makerere University Main Hall including Director for Higher Technical, Vocational, Education and Training Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona, who represented the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Sports, Hon. Jessica Alupo; former Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maria Kiwanuka and her husband- Honan Kiwanuka; a delegation from Bank of Uganda led by the Deputy Governor- Dr. Louis Kasekende; former Chairperson of Makerere University Council Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, 
former Vice Chancellors of Makerere University-Prof. George Kirya and Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, Makerere University Management and staff, family members of Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, and students.
About Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile
Born on 27th January 1949 in Kabale District– South Western Uganda, Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Kirenga Baryabota joined Makerere University in July 1970 for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Political Science. He was later elected Students’ Guild President which eventually brought him in conflict with the then hostile political environment under President Idi Amin Dada. He faced persecution and had to flee the country to complete his Bachelor’s degree course at Durham University, UK where he graduated with a Second Class Honors Upper Division in June 1974.
His undergraduate dissertation was outstanding that it won the first prize in Economics at Durham University. Subsequently, he successfully completed the first year of his postgraduate studies in Economics in June 1975 and embarked on Doctoral studies by research at Oxford University. As part of his PhD studies, Mutebile conducted field work in Tanzania while at the same time teaching at the University of Dar-es-Salaam. However, the outbreak of Uganda`s Liberation War of 1979 interrupted his studies after which, he returned to Uganda and started on the process of rebuilding the then shattered economy. On 14th December 2006, he was appointed Honorary Professor by Makerere University.
His academic excellence is attested by:
- A Tutorial Fellow at Balliol and St. Peter`s College, Oxford University, 1974 – 1977.
- A Visiting Lecturer at Furnham Centre for International Briefing – 1977.
- A lecturer of Industrial Economics at the University of Dar-es-Salaam 1977 – 1979.
- Several books authored in the fields of economic reforms, monetary policy and banking.
- Published pamphlets and booklets in the fields of banking and fiscal reforms.
- Contributed numerous articles in periodicals, magazines and newspapers.
- Countless Radio and TV interviews
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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